Aston Martin has never shied away from drama, elegance, or speed. But with the introduction of the new 2026 DBX S, the British marque has managed to refine and redefine what a performance SUV can be. This isn’t merely a facelifted DBX707—it’s a visceral evolution of Aston’s already ferocious luxury SUV, now sharper, lighter, and even more commanding. Fusing cutting-edge performance with luxurious craftsmanship, the DBX S is the most powerful and advanced DBX ever made.
Supercar Heart, SUV Strength
At the core of the DBX S lies the familiar yet further-refined 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, sourced from AMG but now featuring upgraded turbo technology inspired by Aston Martin’s Valhalla hypercar. Thanks to larger compressor wheels and enhanced internal tuning, the V8 now produces a thundering 717bhp—a modest increase over the DBX707’s 697bhp, but one that yields real-world gains in responsiveness and high-rev intensity. Torque remains at a monstrous 664lb-ft.
The performance figures speak for themselves: 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds, matching its predecessor, but with a sharper climb to higher speeds. The 0–124mph time drops by 0.3 seconds, while the top speed remains an exhilarating 193mph. This is a two-ton luxury SUV that can sprint like a track-bred coupe.
Shedding Weight, Gaining Precision
While the power boost alone is enough to turn heads, what truly transforms the DBX S is its extensive weight-saving program. Aston Martin engineers have stripped away 47kg from the DBX707, thanks to lightweight components including a new carbon fibre roof, optional 23-inch forged magnesium wheels, and a polycarbonate honeycomb front grille. These aren’t just for show—the carbon roof, the largest single-piece carbon panel ever used in an Aston Martin, lowers the car’s centre of gravity, improving both stability and handling.
The magnesium wheels alone cut 19kg of unsprung mass, enhancing ride comfort and steering feel. Together, these modifications reduce the SUV’s kerb weight to 2,198kg, delivering a more agile and responsive driving experience.
The DBX S also features a four percent quicker steering ratio, giving it a tighter 12-meter turning circle—a meaningful upgrade for city driving and dynamic cornering. Suspension settings, revised in the previous DBX707 update, remain in place, as do massive carbon ceramic brakes (420mm front, 390mm rear), providing brutal stopping power to match the engine’s fury.
Roaring Personality
No Aston is complete without a commanding soundtrack. The DBX S’s modified quad-exit exhaust system adds more bite to its bark, amplifying the V8’s thunderous voice with a deeper, more aggressive growl. Whether in Comfort mode or full Sport Plus, the auditory experience matches the vehicle’s muscular looks and thrilling dynamics.
The nine-speed wet-clutch automatic gearbox has been recalibrated for the S, offering faster, more aggressive downshifts in its sportier drive modes. The result is a machine that doesn’t just move—it lunges, surges, and snarls with every command.
Commanding Design
The DBX S’s visual updates are as focused as its performance. At the front, a reshaped black-vaned grille, new splitter, and chiseled bumper give the SUV a meaner, more aerodynamic face. The rear gets a reprofiled bumper and redesigned diffuser, while stacked quad tailpipes replace the horizontal setup of the 707, reinforcing the car’s sporting intent.
Side sills now feature air splitters, adding aerodynamic function to their form. Optional exterior accent packs in Trophy Silver, Rosso Corsa Red, or Podium Green help buyers further personalize the aggressive silhouette.
Interior: Opulence Meets Motorsport
Inside, the DBX S continues Aston Martin’s legacy of exquisite interiors. A new herringbone pattern upholstery design runs through the seats, with the option to extend it to the headliner—especially striking when paired with the panoramic carbon roof above.
Standard trim includes Alcantara across the seats, headlining, and center console, offering a tactile, motorsport-inspired feel. For areas that endure more wear—like seat bolsters—Aston uses durable semi-aniline leather. Bespoke ‘S’ logos are embroidered throughout the cabin, while optional red seatbelts provide a splash of performance color.
The dashboard hosts Aston’s latest in-house infotainment system, introduced across the brand’s next-gen lineup, ensuring that tech sophistication meets luxury seamlessly. A powerful 800-watt stereo system rounds out the driving environment, making every journey—whether canyon carving or cross-continental—resound with power and poise.
The Brand’s Bold Statement
Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin’s CEO, summed it up best: “The introduction of DBX S not only reaffirms our commitment to producing the most exciting, rewarding and beautiful cars, it also sends a powerful statement of intent about our ambitions—not just for DBX, but for the Aston Martin brand.”
Indeed, the DBX S isn’t just a halo model—it’s a mission statement on wheels. In a world of increasingly homogeneous performance SUVs, the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S roars louder, drives harder, and dazzles more than ever before. It isn’t just the fastest and most powerful SUV Aston has ever made—it may be the most characterful SUV on the road today.
